Imran joins Salman, Shahrukh and Aamir

Imran Khan is seriously considering himself to be entering the big league. Though he is just three years and five films into the industry, he rightly believes that there is something common between him and the top Khans that ties them together. This happens to be the time period in which he brings a film of his to the audience.

"There is a reason behind Imran's Delhi Belly coming in July", informs a trade follower, "His biggest hits till date, Jaane Tuâ€¦ Ya Jaane Na as well as I Hate LUV Storys, had released in the first week of July. When Aamir and Imran realised this trend, they decided beforehand that Delhi Belly too would be following suit."

A source close to Imran says that he is serious about staking his claim on this slot in just the same manner as top Khans like Salman, Shah Rukh and Aamir who come at a designated time year after year.

"Salman has booked the Eid slot after Wanted, Dabangg and now Bodyguard. Shah Rukh's films never fail on Diwali and after Om Shanti Om, his next biggie Ra.One would also come on the festive occasion. Then next year his biggie with Yash Raj Films would arrive on Diwali again. Aamir too has made Christmas his own with Taare Zameen Par, Ghajini and 3 Idiots. Looking at his past record, Imran feels there is no reason why he can't block first week of July for his films", says a friend of Imran.

Since his films are primarily targeted at Generation X, summer release timing has only ensured Imran to gain a good reach.

"Well, I won't deny that we didn't keep in mind the factors that you just mentioned", smiles Imran, "This timing has worked for me over the years so I have been conscious about continuing this for my future films as well."

He denies being superstitious about these matters though. "I just like the symmetry which is building up. This is a good date. Who wouldn't want to score a hat trick?"